Zhavame, a picturesque village at the foot of Kapamodzu peak, holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Catholicism in the Phek District of Nagaland, a province of India The village name, meaning “people of the enchanted lake,” resonates with its historical significance.
Zhavame’s Catholic community, which today numbers more than 1,500 faithful and 262 households, has a deeply rooted and inspiring legacy of perseverance marked by imprisonment, persecution and, ultimately, triumph in faith.
The Catholic faith found its way to Zhavame in a series of divine coincidences. On Oct. 18, 1964, a group of traders encountered a Catholic who introduced them to the faith. This led them to Father Bernick, SDB. The priest sent a group of young Catholics led by Sousahie Philip in 1965, marking the first formal evangelization in Zhavame. Although language differences posed a challenge, a local teacher, Sasu Dukru, interpreted Philip’s sermons, eventually becoming a prominent Catholic leader in Zhavame.
The faith quickly took root and on March 20, 1966, a Catholic church dedicated to St. Francis Xavier was blessed. On the same day, Father Bernick baptized 11 people, marking the official establishment of the Catholic Church in Zhavame.
As the Catholic faith gained momentum in Zhavame and nearby villages, resistance from the established Baptist community grew. Some members of the Naga Army, driven by the belief that Nagaland was a Baptist stronghold, began to persecute the Catholics.
The first to suffer was Akha, who was imprisoned on Dec. 18, 1966. He was thrown into a dark, underground dungeon and threatened with death if he did not renounce his faith. On Christmas Eve, Akha returned home, but under duress he renounced Catholicism and reverted to animism. However, the rest of the Catholic community remained steadfast.
A second wave of persecution occurred in July 1967 when five Catholics were arrested and subjected to 89 days of imprisonment. During their incarceration, they endured hunger, unsanitary living conditions and mental torment. Despite these hardships, their faith remained unshaken, a testament to their courage and determination.
In November 1967, seven men, including those five and two others, were imprisoned in the same dungeon. The cruelty intensified, with the prisoners being fed only a kilogram of cooked millet for seven people daily and being forced to perform hard labor. Yet the resilience of these men won over even their captors. One of the Naga Army captains remarked in admiration, “You are really brave and strong. I appreciate your determination to put up with any hardships for the sake of the crucified Savior and the Catholic religion.”
The persecution came to a turning point on Jan. 25, 1968, when the men were released, having endured immense suffering but standing firm in their faith. Despite the hardships, their courage inspired others in neighboring villages to embrace Catholicism.
The struggles of the early Catholic pioneers bore fruit as the faith spread across the Chakhesang region. In 1974, the Chakhesang region was separated from Kohima Parish and became its own entity, with Chizami Parish as the first in the area. Father Castelino, SJ, the first parish priest, tirelessly worked to establish a permanent base for Catholicism among the Chakhesang tribe. Supported by Ursuline Franciscan Sisters, he oversaw the growth of Catholicism in many villages.
In Zhavame, the Catholic community continued to flourish. A Catholic school, St. Joseph’s, was opened in 1981, contributing to the formal education and spiritual growth of the village’s children. Over the years, many faithful from Zhavame have taken up vocations, including priests, sisters and brothers.
By 1993, the Zhavame community had outgrown its original church. With prayer and faith, the community built a larger church, which was blessed by Right Reverend Abraham, bishop of Kohima, on January 24, 1993. This new church was a symbol of the enduring faith of the Zhavame people.
On Oct. 18, 2014, a devastating fire destroyed the Zhavame church. Yet amid the ashes, a crucifix remained untouched, symbolizing that while the church building had been consumed, the spirit of Christ lived on. The community rallied together to rebuild. With support from the broader Catholic community, the foundation for a new church was laid in 2015.
Today, Zhavame’s Catholic community stands as a beacon of faith and perseverance. The sacrifices of the early pioneers, who endured persecution and imprisonment, have borne fruit in a vibrant, growing Catholic Church that continues to thrive. The story of Zhavame is a powerful testament to the resilience of faith in the face of adversity.